Latin name: Adhatoda vasica Character: The Ultimate AstringentIf you were to look up the definition of astringent in a dictionary you would come up with something like stern or severe. If you have an interest in Vedic astrology then the planet that comes to mind would be Saturn. I remember reading Dr. Svoboda's "The Greatness of Saturn" every Saturday for a month in order to fully understand the subtleties of Saturn. Although there is still more to learn I can see the benefits from the "stern or severe" discipline that Saturn requires.

While Vasaka does not appear to be especially stern on the surface it is very astringent. In the context of herbs this means "asubstancethatcontractsthetissuesorcanalsofthebody,therebydiminishingdischarges." Vasaka's natural strengths allows it to be useful when a drying effect is needed, especially on the lungs and the colon. This effect helps to create more integrity in the tissues.Integrity is often the goal of being stern or severe with yourself or others. Vasaka, like Saturn edits what is not needed from your life. This action is also shown in how Vasaka is able to dilate the bronchial passageways in the lungs to help them remove any excess mucus.Guna: light, dryRasa: bitter, astringentVipaka: pungentVirya: coldPrabhava: treats asthmaMain Action: Bronchodilator, antispasmodic, bitter tonic, febrifuge, alterativeAction on Doshas: Balances Pitta and KaphaAction on Dhatus: Rejuvenates plasma, blood, fatDescription: In Ayurveda Vasaka has primarily been used in lung conditions characterized by shortness of breath, broncho-spasm and mucus or fluids in the lungs. Vasaka's astringent nature can both help tone the lung tissue and improve it's integrity while simultaneously removing unwanted guests. This allows it to remove the stagnation in the lungs. As the lungs oxygenate the blood the blood is also affected by Vasaka.One of its primary uses is to stop internal bleeding from ulcers or excess menses. Another less known action of Vasaka is that it has been shown (Gogte 2000) to stimulate the Vagus nerve leading to lower blood pressure. This most likely happens by improving the function of the vessel walls of capillaries, veins and arteries.Main Uses of Vasaka:

Hemorrhoids

Blood in the lungs

Hepatitis

Asthma

Cough

Chronic Bronchitis

Precautions: Do not use vasaka during pregnancy. Only use vasaka for two month periods as it can cause low blood pressure. Research

This website is based on the opinions of Noah Volz and/or Rhythm of Healing, unless otherwise noted. The information is presented for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe, nor to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure such conditions. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.